BREAKING: New South Wales (NSW) MPs are set to debate a controversial hunting bill after a parliamentary inquiry raised significant concerns about its implications. The inquiry, released just hours ago, has called into question the bill’s support, with critics labeling it as a “Trojan horse” for the gun lobby.
The inquiry recommended that lawmakers consider public feedback collected from over 2,600 participants during a rapid investigation. However, it notably refrained from criticizing the bill’s development, which includes a staggering $7.9 million budget allocation for the yet-to-be-formed Conservation Hunting Authority.
Initially, Premier Chris Minns expressed tentative support for the bill, promising not to dilute current gun laws. However, he has since distanced himself from the legislation, stating, “It’s been put up by a minor party… we have to call it when we see it.” This shift comes as public sentiment appears to wane, raising alarms among advocates and opponents alike.
The private member’s bill, introduced by Robert Borsak of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party, aims to establish a hunting authority that would represent the interests of licensed hunters while advising on land management and pest control. Critics, including Walter Mikac, a survivor of the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, argue that enshrining a “right to hunt” could undermine existing regulations, emphasizing that current hunting practices in NSW are already effective.
The RSPCA has voiced strong opposition, with Chief Science Officer Suzie Fowler stating that the term “conservation hunting” is merely a rebranding tactic to make hunting more socially acceptable. Meanwhile, concerns are mounting that the proposed funding will not address invasive species control, which is essential for maintaining ecological balance.
Support for the bill has significantly softened since its introduction, with MPs from the Labor Party, Greens, and Animal Justice Party questioning a potential deal between the government and the Shooters’ upper house MPs. Nationals MP Scott Barrett has expressed support for the bill’s goals but highlighted the inquiry’s findings, noting, “It was evident that none of this money would go to any invasive species control.”
As the debate heats up, the outlook for the bill remains uncertain. Lawmakers are expected to convene in the coming weeks to deliberate on the findings of the inquiry and the contentious proposed legislation.
The urgency surrounding this issue cannot be understated, as it not only affects wildlife management but also touches on broader concerns about gun control and public safety in NSW. Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops.
